The Nature Explore Classroom at
Wonderbloom Nature Playschool
Wonderbloom’s Outdoor Classroom is a living, magical space for children to explore and play. It was
designed to foster growth in confidence and curiosity. The hope is that it cultivates feelings of calm,
safety, and freedom in all children who visit! One of Wonderbloom’s mottos is “Anything you can do inside, you can do outside!”
The outdoor classroom is designed to function with intentional learning centers – similar to traditional indoor classrooms.
Art Area
Upon entering the outdoor classroom is the Art Area. We encourage open-ended art that focuses on the process rather than the product. We incorporate nature materials in our art learning.
Tinker Table
Building and tinkering for little hands is important for developing the foundations of STEM skills (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Movement Meadow
A natural wood and stick fence encloses the grassy Movement Meadow. Perfect for large movements such as yoga, tossing, and jumping!
Cottonwood Cottage
The Cottonwood Cottage is a climbing structure we designed to match the beauty of our natural
playspace. Children this age are growing fast, so they need to move their bodies regularly to practice
balance, coordination, and climbing.
Book Nook
Pre-literacy skills, such as identifying letters and understanding the sequence of a story, are the foundation of learning how to read. Children have a quiet, comfy space to explore books and literacy materials.
Theater
A sturdy wooden stage sets the space for our Theater. This place encourages imaginative play, music, and movement! Children are developing their sense of self, so practicing conflict resolution, creative expression, and acting out their feelings is vital in a supportive environment.
Sandbox and Messy Cafe
Children dig, scoop, mold, and build in the giant sandbox and adjacent mud kitchen – which has running water! Children learn the fundamentals of physics and math. We model cooperation as children work together to create.
Our Garden
There are garden boxes where we plant herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Gardening with young children is a great way to teach them to care for and be stewards of the earth.
Imagineering Area
Imagineering area is a place for budding engineers! Large loose parts like hollow blocks, stumps,
branches, and bricks can be used for developing their cognitive skills. Cooperation with peers is necessary as they work together to move large, heavy objects.
Gathering Space
Children and adults gather in a cozy space on log stumps for their circle time. We promote language skills through songs, stories, and introducing nature topics! During these times, adults model taking turns, following directions, and how to be a part of a community.
The Outdoor Classroom would not have been possible without many hours of volunteer time and skill
from staff, board, parents, and children along with community and family members. Funding made
possible through the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Grow For Good, and the Garbett Family Foundation. Plants were generously donated by Red Butte Gardens, Dirt2Table, Millcreek Gardens, and Homestead Nursery. Special thanks to Robbie and Sarah Stone, Ryan Scully, Cody Baird, and the Rotary Club.
